Filter out 99% of the Sun’s light

Light from the Sun as shown in the image above contains almost the entire light spectrum, which contains many light frequencies that are not visible to human vision.

Two frequencies, infrared and ultraviolet, are particularly harmful and all of these frequencies must be filtered out to make solar viewing safe.

However, despite what you may have read or heard, materials like CD’s, smoked glass, several layers of photographic film, and many others are NOT able to filter out harmful light frequencies.

The only acceptable filter materials are materials such as aluminium-coated glass and Mylar film that are made to fit over the tubes or objective lenses of ordinary telescopes.

The image below shows a typical solar filter designed to fit securely over the tube of a reflecting telescope.

Filters like this block out at least 99% of the Sun’s light, including all infrared light that causes optical elements to heat up, and ultraviolet light that can permanently damage the human eye’s retina.

Nonetheless, even with the harmful light filtered out, the Sun is still too bright to make out any detail, which is why solar filters suitable for use by amateur observers are designed to allow only light in the Hydrogen Alpha or Calcium frequencies through, which is the frequencies of light emitted by most of the Sun’s visible features.

Of course, there are filters available for scientific observations, but these fall outside the scope of this article.

Nonetheless, solar filters should only ever be sourced from reputable dealers that stock and supply purpose-made solar filters that are designed not to fall off, or become dislodged from a telescope or pair of binoculars, which when it happens, can blind an observer in a very small fraction of a second.

Avoid filtered eyepieces

Although no reputable dealer in optical equipment will ever supply a filtered eyepiece today, there was time when this type of eyepiece was widely available.

This type of eyepiece incorporated a “solar filter” as a part of the optical elements of the eyepiece, but the unfortunate effect of this arrangement was that since eyepieces are essentially magnifying glasses, the heat build-up in the eyepiece could, (and often did), cause the eyepiece to explode, causing instant blindness.

Use a dedicated solar telescope

The telescope shown above is dedicated refracting solar telescope that blocks out somewhat more than 99% of the Sun’s light by using proprietary coatings on the lenses.

Note that although this particular example has an aperture of only 40 mm, it gathers sufficient light to provide crystal-clear images of solar features such as prominences and filaments.

Telescopes of this type allow only light emitted by hydrogen atoms through, which just happens to be the most active atoms on, or in the Sun.

Also, note that while some solar features can be seen by projecting the Sun’s light through a pinhole, features like prominences and filaments of active solar material can only be seen in hydrogen-alpha light, which is what solar telescopes are designed to provide.

Here is what you can expect see with a solar telescope

There is always something dramatic happening on the Sun, and with some luck, you may just see a violent coronal mass ejection on your first view of the Sun through a dedicated solar telescope.

Below are some images and details of what you can expect to see…

Solar prominences

These vast clouds of dense solar material are usually visible just outside of the Sun’s photosphere, and they both created, and held captive by the Sun’s enormous arching magnetic fields that shift around due to the differential rotation between different parts of the Sun.

The best views of solar prominences can be had only with a proper solar telescope.

Sunspots

Sunspots are caused when the Sun’s magnetic field breaks in places, and “snaps” back through the solar “surface” as a result.

While sunspots may appear dark, or even black in telescopic views, they are in fact only visible because they are about 2000 or so degrees cooler than the surrounding area.

Sunspots only occur in an area about 45 degrees north and south of the solar equator, which is where the Sun’s differential rotation is the greatest.

Sunspots also always occur in pairs: one spot being the north pole of a snapped magnetic field, and the other being the south pole of the same field.

Sunspots can be seen equally well through dedicated solar telescopes and solar filters fitted to normal instruments.

Solar filaments

Solar filaments are smaller, less violent versions of solar prominences, and their most distinguishing feature is that they can be seen against the Sun’s disc, as shown in the image above.

Solar filaments are best viewed with a dedicated solar telescope.

Solar flares

Solar flares are among the most violent eruptions on the Sun, and they can extend millions of kilometres beyond the Sun’s surface.

Flares are caused by sudden changes in the arrangement of the Sun’s twisted magnetic fields, and although the actual mechanism is not yet clearly understood, one does not have to be solar scientist to be awed by the sudden ejection of billions of tons of solar material, which is best seen through a dedicated solar telescope.

Why Is Protecting Wild Birds Important?

Killing, injuring or taking any wild bird or damaging its nest or eggs is therefore illegal – and the legislation applies to all bird species, common and rare.

If any nests are found during the process of building or upon its completion, any works with the potential to damaging or destroying this nest, eggs or young birds must stop, until the birds complete breeding.

Birds may nest on machinery or scaffolding and other temporary site structures as well – and any disturbance of a breeding Schedule 1 bird is an offence, regardless of whether this impacts upon the breeding attempt.

If there are birds that nest on machinery or scaffolding and other types of equipment, that equipment cannot be used until the birds finish the nesting process.

Bird Surveys and Mitigation: Solving This Problem

There are a lot of different bird species that show different preferences in regards to their nesting.

While some species are predominantly scrub or ground-nesting, others favour trees and there are several species such as swallows and swifts which have adapted to nesting in on or buildings and man-made structures.

The usual time for birds to build their nests and lay their eggs is between March and end of August – and the peak months for breeding are May and June.

However, there are exceptions to this rule – but generally, birds may be found breeding on a construction site during these periods.

This is how breeding bird surveys come to action.

They are conducted in suitable habitat with a methodology based on the BTO Breeding Bird Survey (also known as BBS).

This procedure starts with a site visit on a minimum of four occasions, where each visit commences at dawn in order to record the numbers and species of birds present.

Deciding If You Need A Bird Survey

Ideally, you should decide if you need to survey.

For instance, bird surveys should be done for developments that involve natural habitats such as woodland, scrub or moorland areas, agricultural buildings being changed, converted or demolished.

Also, areas that are connected to lines of trees which are connected to woodland or water and trees that are more than 100 years old are included in the most common bird populated areas.

The bird surveys include analysis on all types of birds.

This includes barn owls, breeding birds, wintering birds, red and amber list birds of conservation concern and other birds listed in the schedules and sections of the Wildlife and Countryside and Natural Environment and Rural Communities acts accordingly.

Looking For Premium Kitchen Fittings?

When choosing your kitchen accessories and fittings, you should keep some important factors in mind.

While proper fittings make your kitchen appear modern and contemporary, they are need to be very efficient and highly durable.

Here are 3 crucial aspects of kitchens and fittings you can take advantage of:

1. Kitchen Taps

Yes, a kitchen tap may seem like an insignificant accessory, but think again!

It plays an important role in the final finish of your kitchen sink area, and gets regular use for cooking and cleaning.

For example, a non-functional or defective tap is something you cannot cook or work with.

That is why all the interior design contractors recommend only using the top rated kitchen taps that are durable, multi-functional and cost effective.

2. Kitchen Cabinets

Obviously, kitchen cabinets play the most important role in your kitchen.

They are there to build up all of the storage space of your kitchen and store as many things as you need.

Therefore, they must be spacious enough – yet compact enough for ease of use.

You should be able to clean all the cabinets and cupboards easily.

Wooden cabinets are by far one of the best kitchen fitting options, with the wood being of utmost quality and well varnished, as prevention from a wear and tear over time.

3. Cooking Stations

A cooking station is the most integral part of the kitchen. No matter how much time you are spending in cooking, you need to get done at a time – and top-notch cooking stations can help you in this manner.

Choosing double or tetra top stations and electrically heated induction tops will ensure you of a lot more efficient and safer cooking process.

Every kitchen needs these essentials – and apart from them, can be accessorized to your tastes and needs.

That way, you will be able to….

Transform Your Kitchen With Premium Fittings

Whether you want to replace only the cupboard doors in your kitchen or the entire fittings, giving a facelift to your kitchen is something that will improve your home dramatically.

Aside from increasing its value, it will also increase your home’s price tag and add a considerable amount of value to your home – especially if you look for the best products and use the best out of the space you have.

Getting a mixture of colours can be a dramatic experience for you if you don’t consult with an interior designer.

There is a lot more than just styles and colours when it comes to your kitchen.

For instance, every great kitchen needs the best space-saving essentials, the proper lighting and a blend of modern and sleek design.

Feb, 2016

Affordability is often the first thing that comes to mind for people who are looking for solicitors in Kent and a firm that offer great service and affordability is Worthingtons Solicitors.

However affordability is not what one should look for only.

This is because most likely a solicitor who charges low rates is either inexperienced or not much in demand.

Choosing the Right Lawyer

A seasoned professional who has plenty of experience in cases such as yours might be too costly for you.

However, without such legal assistance chances are that you may not get what you want in terms of child visitation rights, child custody and other arrangements that need to be seen to once the divorce or separation is finalised.

Therefore when it comes to family law solicitors you need to forego a bit on the costs so as to focus on quality of service, as ultimately the finalization of the case is what matters the most.

Ask About Their Fees

There are several solicitors in Kent who bill clients on an hourly basis.

Often however it is difficult to estimate the total number of hours needed to finalize a divorce for instance, as complications may arise and not even the solicitor will be able to envisage how it can play out.

It might be best to discuss this with the solicitor you are considering to hire in advance.

The personal style of the solicitor is another factor you would need to take into account.

Remember that family matters are personal matters, but you need to share these details with the solicitor that you hire.

Therefore it would be best to go for one who can demonstrate some empathy and understanding, rather than one who is only concerned with how much he/she is going to earn from you, and how quickly he/she can finalize your case so as to see to other ones.

Every Case is Individual

Each case is unique and the solicitor needs to be a person who is willing to offer you his/her time to hear you out and see what your doubts and concerns are.

Legal intricacies and jargon may be too complicated for a layman to understand, and it is the solicitor’s responsibility to devote some time to explain how certain rules and laws will apply to the particular case.

Choosing a solicitor in Kent whom you feel you can trust and confide in, is another important consideration in family law matters.

Moreover, if you have young children to think about before settling your divorce case, make sure you have found a solicitor who understands that apart from your financial stability your main concern is to put your kids’ needs first.

If the kids’ wellbeing is your priority make this clear with your solicitor from the start.

Your solicitor should place your preferences first, and work to pursue the case in a way that these can be met as best as possible.

Feb, 2016

Maintaining business premises, retail outlets, department stores, offices, or other commercial establishments in good condition is certainly not easy.

In most cases the area covered by such establishments is really large, and there are going to be various rooms, areas and stores to be cleaned and properly maintained, not to mention restrooms, open spaces and other facilities.

Thus the services of a facilities management company become indispensable in order to maintain such facilities in good condition.

If this is not done, the building will end up dirty and shabby, and so whoever goes there to get a service or to shop will not be inclined to go again.

Feb, 2016

While you are at the beach, you are going to notice several people reading a book while sunbathing.

Likewise, there are many who take a book or newspaper, or even their tablet or e-book reader with them when they go for a picnic.

The only problem is that some of these people may need reading glasses, and as a result they cannot wear sunglasses on top of them so as to protect their eyes from the sun’s rays.

Luckily this problem can be solved with sun readers.

Sun readers are also known as reading sunglasses.

Basically they are a combination of reading glasses and sunglasses.

For many people they are the perfect pair of glasses as they serve a dual purpose – that of protecting their eyes from the sunlight and its glare, as well as enabling them to read or do any other close up work too.

This is because these glasses will have the reader prescription built inside the lens, which is also tinted.

It is important to bear in mind the following guidelines when you go to buy a pair of sun readers:

1. Choosing the lens tint

The color of the tint varies, but it is generally recommended to opt for greyish tints, or green colored lenses.

2. Polarized sunglasses

3. Bifocal or full

There are the full reader sunglasses where the whole lens has the magnification and the prescription.

Then there are the bifocal reader sunglasses which will only have part of the lens with magnification.

The upper part will be non-prescription sunglass.

The bifocal ones are generally preferred as they allow you to look both at nearby as well as far away objects while remaining protected from the sun’s rays all along.

4. Different styles

The market is packed with all sorts of styles so as to cater for customers’ diverse needs and preferences.

So it is a good idea to try on various styles so as to see which types best suits your face shape.

Obviously since they are going to serve as sunglasses it is always best to opt for a lens that is a bit wide in order to block sunlight better, as well as protect the skin around your eyes which is very delicate.

Apart from this, it is also crucial that you make sure that it fits you well.

So do check if they slide or pinch, and ideally your eyelashes should not touch the lens.

Jan, 2016

Since 1990, Sky television has forged the way in home television entertainment to subscribers within the United Kingdom.

It destroyed many barriers that established terrestrial television providers were unable to break, such as offering pay-per-view events including major sports fixtures and latest released movies.

Sky also gave us a much wider range of television, most notably from the United States and in more recent years, from other places including Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

In the past, where there was just the usual range of BBC and ITV channels to deliver the same boring choice of TV shows, Sky suddenly opened up a whole universe of television entertainment.

Now more than two decades later, we are in the technological age of home entertainment where not only can you still watch TV via satellite dish, you can also watch content ‘on-demand’ at a time and place of your own desire on numerous devices at home or away.

The world has moved fast and without doubt, Sky has been an major part of that.

Where other TV stations have followed, Sky television has been an innovator and leader of new technologies.

So with such a forward looking attitude, is it any wonder that Sky is just as universal today as it ever was?

Watch the best of UK television all across France

With the expansion of the European Union, the world has become a smaller planet.